STORAGE OF CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPES. 7 
The minimum and maximum number of days before the develop- 
ment of 5 per cent and 15 per cent of decay, as given in this table, 
are the extremes found in the different years during which the work 
was in progress. The wide variations are due partly to seasonal con- 
ditions and partly to differences in the handling and shipping meth- 
ods. In most cases the fruit was packed and sent to storage promptly, 
a delay of only one day intervening between packing and storing. 
During one or two seasons, however, there was an accidental delay 
ranging from three to five days in placing the packed fruit under 
refrigeration, and even this comparatively short interval had a mate- 
rial influence upon the length of time during which the grapes re- 
mained* in sound condition. In interpreting the results it should be 
borne in mind that the figures shown are extremes. The minimum 
limit indicates the probability of success or failure in the storage 
work. The higher figures are likely to be misleading if one expects to 
accomplish the maximum every season or under all conditions of 
culture, handling, and age of vines. The fact that there are extreme 
ranges even under the best system of management and with the 
most careful methods of handling emphasizes the great importance 
of close attention to every detail. 
Table V shows the approximate dates of packing and the subse- 
quent storage seasons of the principal varieties tested when packed 
in redwood sawdust and stored at 32° F. These dates indicate- the 
possible marketing periods of the different varieties as produced 
under present conditions in California. Later investigations may 
modif}^ these seasons to some extent, but they are not likely to be 
shortened. 
Table V. — Packing and storage seasons of the principal varieties of California 
table grapes when packed in redwood sawdust and stored at 82° F., showing 
the approximate date when 5 per cent of deterioration developed and the 
approximate extreme limit of storage. 
Varieties. 
Packing season. 
Approximate date 
when 5 per cent of 
deterioration devel- 
oped. 
Approximate extreme 
commercial limit of 
storage. 
Almeria ( Ohanez) 
Oct. 10 to 25 
Jan. 1 to 15 
Feb. 15 to Apr. U 
Jan. 1 to Feb. 1. 
Oct. 2 to 15 
Dec. 1 to 20 
Oct. 15 to 25.. 
Dec. 15 . . 
Jan. 10 to 31. 
Oct. 10 to 15... 
do 
Jan. 15. 2 
Aug. 25 to Sept. 20.... 
Sect. 1 to 15 
Nov. 1 to 10 
Dec. 1 to 15.3 
Muscat 
Oct. 1 to 15 
Nov. 15 to 25. 
Sept. 15 to Oct. 10 
Sept. 25 to Oct. 25 ' 
Oct. 10 to 15 
Oct. 15 to 31 
Nov. 15 to 30. 
Flame Tokay 
Nov. 20 to Dec. 10 
Dec. 1 
Dec. 1 to Jan. l.< 
Dec. 20 to Jan. 10. 
1 Under some exceptionally favorable conditions 15 per cent of deterioration did not develop in this 
variety before May 15; in some cases this percentage was shown by January 1. The grapes used in the 
tests were not of the best grade, the variety not being produced in commercial quantities in California. 
With a wider range of grapes from which to select lots for storage, a more uniform showing may be expected. 
2 Only one season's test in redwood sawdust. 
3 There seems to be considerable variation in this variety. In some cases the grapes held in first-class 
condition until January 15; in others the storage limit was" reached before December 1. The bulk of the 
grapes shipped as this variety are of the latter class, and there seems to be sufficient ground to believe 
that the variety widely planted under this name in California is not the true Malaga. 
* There is wide variation in the quality of Flame Tokay grapes, depending upon the age of the vines 
and the character of the soil upon which they are grown. Seasonal influences also play a very important 
part in the behavior of this variety. 
